Addis Ababa, March 28, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia plans to promote its Green Legacy Initiative (#GLI) as a model for regional environmental change, leveraging its positive impacts across Africa through policy measures.
GLI Technical Committee Chairman Adefris Worku stated the initiative has significantly improved Ethiopia’s environmental image and bolstered climate change mitigation efforts.
During the celebration of the 14th International Day of Forests in Addis Ababa held under the theme “Forests and Food”, he emphasized that the initiative aims to achieve goals including maximizing the country’s national green coverage and raise active participation of the society in the national reforestation campaigns.
He emphasized that Ethiopia is making notable progress in recovering and rehabilitating degraded land, with the ultimate aim of transforming it into fertile ground suitable for farming, grazing, the maintenance of healthy watersheds, and forest restoration.
The initiative is working toward becoming carbon marketable, positioning it as a viable alternative for job creation in the rapidly growing green economy, he stated.
The protection of sustainable forests and natural resources has garnered significant attention from Ethiopia’s top political leadership, Adefris noted, adding that various institutions are collaborating closely to achieve shared objectives, including establishing a greener nation and contributing to environmental sustainability across the African continent.
“The agroforestry schemes led by the Green Legacy Initiative have provided valuable opportunities in timber production, wild honey, wild spices, frankincense, myrrh, gum, and have created a market value chain,” Adefris remarked.
He also acknowledged the government’s substantial efforts to foster collaboration among various ministries, the #ethiopianforestdevelopment Commission, and other governmental institutions, in partnership with development organizations, which has already yielded successful outcomes.
Adefris also pointed out, “ the initiative has not only improved Ethiopia’s image but has also provided valuable lessons to international delegates, such as those from Kenya and Saudi Arabia, who have adopted Ethiopia’s best practices.
Moreover, Ethiopia has started to influence discussions on climate change and related issues, such as climate finance, desertification, and the development of arid regions.”
Having thoroughly assessed the results of the reforestation efforts, he revealed that numerous investors have shown strong interest in Ethiopia’s forestry sector, particularly in commercial forests, with many beginning formal negotiations with government entities.
“The Green Legacy Initiative has not only contributed to enhancing food security through initiatives like the ‘Bounty of Basket’ program and agricultural development but has also sparked a transformation in society’s attitude toward environmental nationalism, especially among the youth and children,” he told local newswire service ENA.